The Lambertville record., 1887-07-13

known source, and where it goes no one
knows, seen through an opening dug from
the rocky bank. We also visit Saltpetre
Cave, which was said to have been work
ed for nitre as early as 1919 and latterly
by the Confederate government. After
securing some fiue specimens, we proceed
to Lace Falls, which point we made our
terminus, retracing our steps, reviewing
gorgeous walls of lime stone rock on our
left bank, ranging with the height of the
bridge. BY this time dinner is waiting,
which we heartily enjoy, all expressing a
desire of staying week instead of day.
At 2 O'Clock the tally-ho's, &c., are
brought to the door. So anxious were
our tourists for tally.ho ride, these
coaches were packed in or rather packed
on to the number of e7--9 inside, 1s on
top. The writer this time was one of the
fortunate, obtaining an inside seat.
Our special is in waiting. Away we go
fast time) to Luray, arriving at Q o'clock,
quartering at Luray Inn, few hundred
yards away. This hotel, of much preten-
sions, makes quite grand show of old
English architecture, but not up to our
expectation. Most all were we'll cared for
and served creditably, but not as promptly
as prompt" requires. This refers to our
last breakfasting. We had the entire
day friday to visit the Caverns and
Luray City. Early in the morning we
take cave hack No. | for the Caverns.
Tho history of its finding and purchase
are interesting, but too lengthy 10 give
here. Before entering, thequestion comes
''what shall we wear" Among the di
versity of opinions many are left to trudge
their way uncomfortably. All should
wear rubbers, the delicate, light wraps
and overcoats; the ladies must shorten
their costumes or have them much soiled.
The only trail worn here is by Cinderella;
who was seen leaving the ball room, short
ly after we enter. The entrance is down
90 feet of broad stone steps. A short
walk leads us to the vestbule, entering q
chamber 30 feet high, some 200 feet In
diameter. To many this was the first
cave experience and would have filled the
measure of unexpected magnitude, had
they not proceeded further. Then comes
the Vegetable Garden of curious, we'll de.
fined incrustations, then the Theatre. -
The Fish Market is well up to nature, the
illusion is almost perfect. The Elm |
Ramble, an open chamber 600 feet long
by 300 feet wide, low ceiling from to
10 feet high, the largest unsupported arch
known to man. Then Pluto Chasm, 500
feet long by 40 feet deep, 10 to so feet
across, the Grotto of Oberon, Bridal
Chamber, Giants Hall, Titania's Veil,
Diana's Bath, Saracen's Tent, Cathedral,
with its gorgeous frescoing and its organ
composed of the uniting of stalactites and
stalagmites. A delicate touch with drum
sticks gives forth tones of softness
and sweet effect. The Fallen Column,
so feet in length, ID feet in diameter,
creates fear. The scenery here resem-
bles an inverted forest The imaginary
Angel Wing, z by 10 feet high, of alabas
ter whiteness, looks as IL it had just been
plucked; the Throne is in massive room.
Near by is Chapman's Lake, dismal SUBJ
cavern called Hades, Tower of Babel
Sultana Column, Lion of Luray, Frozen
Cascade, Chalcedony Cascade, then the
Ball Room. Tombs OF the Martyrs, Col
ms Giotto, Coral Springs, &c. Many,
yes very many points Of interest were
passed unnoted, fully as important as we
have named. In short and to be brief,
tho Caverns are gorgeous; they must be
visited TO be appreciated.
After leaving the large Cavern, whose
low massive ceilings remain unsupported |
and without any apparent arch to hold
them from falling, we do not think it Is
possible to find square yard of ceiling Or
wall not decorated with rich calcarious
formations, all of which for time was
held in solution. In conclusion, would
say. to describe the indescribable is at
once an impossible task and were It not for
the electric light and the many hundreds
Of candles, the greater number OF which
we're, it is said, for our special benefit,
placed here and there about the rocks
and shadowsd ravines, the affair would
not have been one-tenth SO grand. After
q two hours stroll some or miles, the |
writer was ready and qnite willing to
leave a temperature of $40.
Luray itself is an old fashioned rural |
Virginia village, at least 90 years behind
the age, built upon succession of abrupt |
hills and hollows, on a site not at all we'll
selected The subui ban portion near the
Caverns, are literally dotted with negro
sbanties. The young nigs chase after the
cave hacks with boquets of holly hooks,
and catch many an nickel. When all are
disposed Of they still chase with mouths
wide open, like young crows, to catch the
pennies. The open mouth idea, however,
was new to them, tho suggestion having
come fresh from one of our party-it took
well. An evening stroll was taken along
the uneven, miserably paved streets We
asked one of Luray's business men, evi-
IDENTIFY not rushing things, why ho staid in
such slow place. He replied he was
away some years and only too glad to get
back again; he thought no place like
home, and so did we. We purchased
few curios and returned to the Inn, In
time to find we had missed portion Of q
good entertainment, given by members of
our party, recitations by Miss Mcclure,
of Trenton and music and singing by the
Orange quartettc. The time came quick
ly for the nights repose. On. the follow
ing morning, promptly at 7:20, we were
speeding swiftly homeward, reaching
Broad Street Station at p. NJ, not a
minute'si time to make the connection,
not even moment to thank the Com